Positive thinking drives MKR girls - The West Australian

My Kitchen Rules contestants Carly Saunders and Tresne Middleton will have a secret weapon on their side when they are the first gatecrasher team to cook for the judges tonight - the power of positive thinking.

This week, the NSW natives will take on two more intruder duos along with three established teams who failed to wow with their first instant restaurant rounds in prior weeks.

Though Saunders, a teacher, and Middleton, a real-estate agent, might not have the advantage of already plating up for judges Manu Feildel and Pete Evans, they believe their goal-oriented approach to life will work to their advantage in a competition often ruled by strategy and critical comments.

"We just both think that effort is the key to success so we always work towards that," Saunders told AAA.

"We never let each other be weak, excuses are just not OK. We are a really good influence on each other and, because we are really good at seeing positives in negative situations, we think it definitely is a strength in this competition."

Fans of affirmations and hypnosis, the pair also aren't worried that they will be caught up in the web of cattiness woven by some of their kitchen rivals.

"We really have this mantra that we don't let the behaviour of others affect us," Saunders said.

On the other hand, the 32-year-old is more concerned about watching fellow teams on the Seven show buckle under pressure.

"If people we get close to are copping bad criticism, I know I wear my heart on my sleeve so there's a good chance I will be upset by that," Saunders explained.

"It's going to be interesting to see if we can put ourselves first in this competition."

Saunders and Middleton take on the instant restaurant challenge on My Kitchen Rules today at 7.30pm on Seven/GWN7.